RUSIZI/MUHANGA — At least 253 primary six candidates missed sitting for this year’s Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in Rusizi district. The revelation was made by Charles Ntibaziyaremye, the district Director of Education in an exclusive interview with The New Times on Friday. A total of 5,359 candidates sat for the exams in the whole district, according to Ntibaziyaremye, representing 95 percent of the registered candidates. “There were 253 primary six candidates who failed to sit for their exams in this year’s PLE across the district. Those who missed the exams are from Bugarama and Bweyeye Sectors due to the remoteness of the two sectors,” he said at his office. He noted that those who sat for the exams in the area arrived at examination centres hours before the starting time on Tuesday. They were well equipped with pencils, pens, mathematical sets and they looked ready for the exams, he said. According to the official, no cases of examination malpractices were reported during the exams. And the process was so successful compared to the previous years. Ntibaziyaremye, noted that those who missed the exams were pupils who had dropped out- whose parents were reluctant to maintain them in school. He however, said the district was committed to minimising cases of school dropouts. Meanwhile, a total of 5,233 pupils successfully completed the exams in Muhanga District. “The exams were held in 22 sites divided in six zones and the participation has been very successful. There weren’t any reported cases of examination malpractice,” Claude Sebashi, the district Director of Education told The New Times, on Wednesday-the final day of exams. Sebashi pointed out that some students were compelled to miss exams due to sickness and this may bring the numbers down after a final report is done. Pupils reported in time for exams and completed early at most examination centres. There were no particular complaints from candidates. The transit and packing of final answer sheets was closely watched by education officials and police officers at most of the sites visited by The New Times. A majority of pupils said that language exam, especially English; was a ‘test of life’ while mathematics and elementary sciences were moderate. “Language exams were hard because of English, but we are hoping for success” Kléber Mukunzi said. District officials sounded optimistic that this year’s performance would improve with distinctions compared to last year. In last year’s exams the district registered 1,077 (24.3%) mark out of 4,432 pupils. Ends
